prior criminal behavior) and/or have a specific need for the weapon, for example if the nature of their job places them at high risk for assault or robbery. The most common in the United States is a permit to carry a concealed handgun for purposes of self-defense. This permit often applies to both firearms and other self-defense implements. In many states, no permit at all is needed to carry a non-concealed firearm or other weapon. Other types of license can be obtained for collection and exhibition purposes, such as under the National Firearms Act. In the UK, a citizen can obtain a firearms or shotgun certificate in order to legally purchase and own rifles or shotguns for the purposes of sport and hunting. Legislation by weapon type Overview of gun laws by nation Knife legislation Laws on crossbows Legality of batons Legality of brass knuckles Legality of nunchaku Legality of pepper spray Legality of blowguns Ninja stars today See also Concealed carry in the United States Right of self-defense Gun control Gun politics Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a prohibited person References Crimes Firearm laws